My GarageIs the Honda Pilot a good used car?
The J35 V6 is one of the most reliable modern V6s. The 6-speed automatic (2016–2018 lower trims) is proven; the ZF 9-speed on higher trims needed multiple software updates. 2019+ shift quality is much better.
Buyer's Guide · Honda Pilot · 3-row midsize SUV
Used Honda Pilot Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Best Honda Pilot Years, Honda Pilot Years to Avoid and Honda Reliability Guide.
The Pilot is a refined 3-row family SUV built around the durable J35 V6. Later 9-speed automatic calibration issues are the main thing to check on 2016–2018 examples.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 4.3/5 · Very good
- Reliability
- 4.3/5 · Very good
- Best years
- 2016–2018 (3rd gen, 6AT trims), 2019+ (post-9AT updates)
- Years to research
- 2016–2018 (9AT trims), 2009–2015 (2nd gen)
- Maintenance cost
- 4.4/5 · Very good
- Parts availability
- 5.0/5 · Excellent
- Ownership cost
- 4.4/5 · Very good
Bottom line: Yes, if the third row matters.
Overall
★★★★★4.3/5
The J35 V6 is one of the most reliable modern V6s. The 6-speed automatic (2016–2018 lower trims) is proven; the ZF 9-speed on higher trims needed multiple software updates. 2019+ shift quality is much better.
Reliability
★★★★★4.3/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.4/5
Parts availability
★★★★★5.0/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.4/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2016–2018 (3rd gen, 6AT trims)
J35 with the 6-speed — the simplest and safest 3rd-gen pick.
2019+ (post-9AT updates)
9AT calibration much improved; refined family SUV.
Side by side
Honda Pilot ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.3/5 | Very good |
| Reliability | 4.3/5 | Very good |
| Maintenance | 4.4/5 | Very good |
| Parts availability | 5.0/5 | Excellent |
| Ownership cost | 4.4/5 | Very good |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2016–2018 (9AT trims)
Rough shifting complaints on early 9-speeds — verify software updates and shift quality on test drive.
2009–2015 (2nd gen)
Fine platform but interior wear and modest infotainment; timing-belt service on J35 (105k) required.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓9-speed rough shifts on 2016–2018 (software addressed)
- ✓VCM (cylinder deactivation) oil consumption on some examples
- ✓AC condenser on high-mileage examples
- ✓Rear entertainment (if equipped) failures
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Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Pilot ownership is very close to Odyssey and Ridgeline — same J35 V6, same service intervals.
V6 timing belt (105k) is the largest scheduled expense; otherwise routine.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Transmission (9AT)
Test-drive under varied conditions; verify latest software.
Engine
Watch for VCM-related oil consumption; verify timing-belt service on 100k+ cars.
AWD
Rear-diff fluid service on AWD examples.
Suspension
Struts and bushings at 150k+.
Rust
Rear subframe on Northeast examples.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Comfortable, quiet, and practical for large families. Third row is genuinely usable.
- • Real-world 20 mpg mixed is typical.
- • Reasonable insurance and predictable service costs.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Honda Pilot?
Yes, if the third row matters. Prefer 2019+ for improved transmission calibration, or 2016–2018 lower trims for the simpler 6AT.
People Also Ask
How many miles will a Pilot last?
Comfortable, quiet, and practical for large families. Third row is genuinely usable.
Is the Pilot expensive to maintain?
Pilot ownership is very close to Odyssey and Ridgeline — same J35 V6, same service intervals.
Which Pilot year should I buy?
2016–2018 (3rd gen, 6AT trims) is the range we'd shop first. J35 with the 6-speed — the simplest and safest 3rd-gen pick.
What are the most common Honda Pilot problems?
The issues that come up most often are 9-speed rough shifts on 2016–2018 (software addressed), VCM (cylinder deactivation) oil consumption on some examples and AC condenser on high-mileage examples. Each one is checkable during a pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Honda Pilot?
Our scoring puts the Honda Pilot at 4.3/5 for reliability. The J35 V6 is one of the most reliable modern V6s. The 6-speed automatic (2016–2018 lower trims) is proven; the ZF 9-speed on higher trims needed multiple software updates. 2019+ shift quality is much better.
Which Pilot years should I avoid?
2016–2018 (9AT trims) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Honda Pilot?
2016–2018 (3rd gen, 6AT trims) are the strongest years to target — J35 with the 6-speed — the simplest and safest 3rd-gen pick.
How long does a Honda Pilot last?
A well-maintained Pilot from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the Pilot expensive to maintain?
Pilot ownership is very close to Odyssey and Ridgeline — same J35 V6, same service intervals.
What should I inspect before buying a used Pilot?
Focus on: Transmission (9AT), Engine, AWD, Suspension. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common Pilot problems?
9-speed rough shifts on 2016–2018 (software addressed); VCM (cylinder deactivation) oil consumption on some examples; AC condenser on high-mileage examples; Rear entertainment (if equipped) failures
Is 150,000 miles too much for a Pilot?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile Pilot with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the Pilot's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Honda Pilot?
Yes, if the third row matters. Prefer 2019+ for improved transmission calibration, or 2016–2018 lower trims for the simpler 6AT.
How the Pilot compares
Side-by-side buying comparisons against the models people cross-shop most.
You may also want to research
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